Missouri men’s basketball improved to 7-1 on the season after defeating California (6-2) in its first power five matchup of the season. The Tigers won the high scoring affair 98-93, largely in part to guard Anthony Robinson ll.

Robinson scored for the Tigers’ offense early with the first nine points of the game. He slowed down after picking up his second foul of the first half, forcing head coach Dennis Gates to sub him out.

Robinson picked up where he left off in the first half, scoring 20 points in the second and drawing two charges. Robinson finished the game with a career-high 29 points on eight-for-eleven from the field to go with six assists.

“My mom called me and she said, ‘I feel a good game coming,’ and it just came to me tonight,” Robinson said.

Missouri finished the opening half of play shooting 28.6% from three point range to California’s 54.5%. Sharpshooting guard Caleb Grill’s absence was evident after his injury against Lindenwood on Nov. 27 with the Tigers only attempting nine three-pointers. 

Missouri spiraled downwards to close the first half, allowing a 17-3 run and giving up four three-pointers. The Tigers responded well out of halftime going on a 8-0 run which led to an early timeout by California. 

“Not trying to look at the score and trying to fight and we’re gonna come back and win this game,” Robinson said. 

California’s Jovan Blacksher Jr. torched Missouri from three-point range in the first half, going three-for-five en route to 11 points. Three Golden Bear players reached double figure scoring in the half. 

Foul trouble stunted the Tigers with Robinson, Tamar Bates and Josh Gray all missing time to avoid fouling out. Bates exited the game with 2:53 remaining after securing his fifth foul. California also faced similar struggles with Jeremiah Wilkinson fouling out with 4:24 to go in the game. 

Andrej Stojakovic scored 26 points and grabbed five rebounds for California. The sophomore came into the game averaging 17.7 points per game and boosted his numbers efficiently shooting 69.2% from the field.

Mark Mitchell had a season-high 21 points and five rebounds on 57.1% from the field. He shot a perfect five-for-five from the field in the second half.

The Tigers finished shooting 66% from the field in the game and only attempted nine threes, making three. Missouri’s free throw shooting woes continued with a 65.8% outing. 

Missouri played its next matchup against rival Kansas at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8 at Mizzou Arena.

Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com 

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com